INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been correlated with psychological factors using retrospective symptom assessment. However, real-time symptom assessment might reveal the interplay between abdominal and affective symptoms more reliably in a longitudinal perspective. The aim was to evaluate the association between stress and abdominal pain, using the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) as a real-time, repeated measurement method. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with IBS (26 women; mean age 36.7 years) and 36 healthy controls (HC; 24 women; mean age 31.1 years) completed an electronic ESM during 7 consecutive days. Abdominal pain and stress were scored on an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale at a maximum of 10 random moments each day. RESULTS: Abdominal pain scores were 2.21 points higher in patients with IBS compared with those in HC (P < 0.001), whereas stress levels did not differ significantly (B: 0.250, P = 0.406). In IBS, a 1-point increase in stress was associated with, on average, 0.10 points increase in abdominal pain (P = 0.017). In HC, this was only 0.02 (P = 0.002). Stress levels at t = −1 were not a significant predictor for abdominal pain at t = 0 in both groups, and vice versa. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate a positive association between real-time stress and abdominal pain scores and indicate a difference in response to stress and not a difference in experienced stress per se. Furthermore, an in-the-moment rather than a longitudinal association is suggested. This study underlines the importance of considering the individual flow of daily life and supports the use of real-time measurement when interpreting potential influencers of abdominal symptoms in IBS.

Introduction: A Holter blood pressure monitoring is a basic method for the diagnosis and evaluation of hypertension therapy. Hypertension in children and adolescents is defined as an increase of systolic/diastolic pressure, which is equal, or above 95th percentile blood pressure for sex, age, and height. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology of arterial hypertension (AH) in the pediatric population. Methods: Research had descriptive and retrospective character. During the period from March 2006 to April 2020, 1527 registered continuous Holters of blood pressure were analyzed. Data were taken from the medical documentation of patients that were hospitalized on Pediatric Clinic (register of continuous Holter of blood pressure). Results: Out of the total number of registered and analyzed patients 833 were male (54.5%) with dominant age 15–19 years of life 774 (50.6%), school-age children 660 (43.2%), preschool children 93 (6.1%). We had 902 (59%) first registrations and 626 (41%) control registrations. AH was verified in 52 patients (387 records of continuous Holter of blood pressure were performed to them). Primary AH was verified in 27 patients and secondary AH in 25 patients. Forty patients (76.9%) were treated with monotherapy while combined therapy was used in 12 (23.1%) of cases. Renal cause was in 28% patients, endocrine in 24%, cardiovascular in 24%, neurological in 16%, and rheumatic in 8% of patients with secondary AH. Conclusion: Continuous Holter of blood pressure represents useful diagnostic method and method of control of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. It should be routine method in everyday pediatric clinical practice especially in pediatric cardiology.

Contemporary wireless networks dramatically enhance data rates and latency to become a key enabler of massive communication among various low-cost devices of limited computational power, standardized by the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) downscaled derivations LTE-M or narrowband Internet of Things (NB IoT), in particular. Specifically, assessment of the physical-layer transmission performance is important for higher-layer protocols determining the extent of the potential error recovery escalation upwards the protocol stack. Thereby, it is needed that the end-points of low processing capacity most efficiently estimate the residual bit error rate (BER) solely determined by the main orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) impairment–carrier frequency offset (CFO), specifically in small cells, where the signal-to-noise ratio is large enough, as well as the OFDM symbol cyclic prefix, preventing inter-symbol interference. However, in contrast to earlier analytical models with computationally demanding estimation of BER from the phase deviation caused by CFO, in this paper, after identifying the optimal sample instant in a power delay profile, we abstract the CFO by equivalent time dispersion (i.e., by additional spreading of the power delay profile that would produce the same BER degradation as the CFO). The proposed BER estimation is verified by means of the industry-standard LTE software simulator.

Background: Cochlear dysfunction can arise not only from various factors such as ear diseases but also from systemic disorders of the body. The occurrence of otologic symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus can be due to cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, current understandings in the field of the diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) should include, among others, evidence of otologic disorders. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the association between risk factors for CVD and cochlear dysfunction. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 128 participants with major CVD risk factors who underwent auditory function examination (pure tone audiometry). Results: There were 52 women (40.6%) and 76 men (59.4%) in total. The mean age of the participants was 58 years (a range of 28–83 years). The mean age among participants with hearing loss was 60 (±10.88), whereas the mean age among participants that had normal hearing thresholds was 54 (±12.18). Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was measured in 59% of participants, of most frequent mild degree hearing loss. The prevalence of SNHL was higher in participants with arterial hypertension (P < 0.001, OR = 5.881, 95% CI 2.694–12.837) and the most common among them was moderate degree hearing impairment (38%). There is also a statistically significant association of SNHL with dyslipidemia and elevated body mass index (P < 0.001, [OR]: 4.118, 95% [CI]: 1.873–9.053 and P< 0.001, [OR]: 1.517, 95% [CI]: 1.237–1.859 ) with moderate and profound hearing loss. Conclusion: Based on the data obtained, it seems that the presence of major cardiovascular risk factors was a significant predictor for cochlear dysfunction.

Recent catastrophic consequences of coronavirus pandemic stimulate some deeper analysis of present level of globalization, particularly connected with public health problems One definition of globalization may be that it is the integration of capital, technology, and information across national borders in a way that is creating a single global market and, to some degree, a global village Besides economic, it includes many different processes such as development of communications systems, the increase in human mobility, the integration of trade and investment across boundaries, the spread of democracy and human rights, the increasing role of nongovernmental organizations in international politics, the growing concern about global epidemics, and ecological matters such as climate change that are happening at the same time and in many cases reinforcing one another Up till now, in June 2020, there have been over 20,000 published scientific papers on Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), which is an unprecedented level of interest in any topic in the entire history of science Besides the described effect of remdesivir on reducing the length of the illness and the announced research on the effect of dexamethasone on reducing the mortality rate, science has not offered any other news on medication effectiveness so far After the vaccine’s effectiveness in developing antibodies and protecting from COVID-19 is proven, then its safety will need to be proven Vaccines have to be harmless and their only effect on the organism should be the developing of permanent immunity to the novel coronavirus However, never have we in history, as humanity, had planned to simultaneously vaccinate 4 or 5 billion people Most of us welcomed positive globalization process, but with the recent pandemic of corona disease, we are introducing negative part of globalization with many unpredictable developments Indeed, globalization is both inevitable and usually desirable and contains advantageous and disadvantageous issues It is a source of both hope and of apprehension and is an accelerating process in flow of information, technology, goods and services, and production means Globalization has a complex influence on perinatal health The bonds that link perinatologists together transcend geographic, political, religious, and lingual differences, resulting in a globalization that optimizes perinatal care

Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder caused by an accumulation of amyloid fibrils in tissues due to mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. The prevalence of hATTR is still unclear and likely underestimated in many countries. In order to apply new therapies in a targeted manner, early diagnosis and knowledge of phenotype-genotype correlations are mandatory. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and phenotypic spectrum of hATTR in Austria. Methods: Within the period of 2014–2019, patients with ATTR-associated cardiomyopathy and/or unexplained progressive polyneuropathies were screened for mutations in the TTR gene. Results: We identified 43 cases from 22 families carrying 10 different TTR missense mutations and confirmed two mutational hot spots at c.323A>G (p.His108Arg) and c.337G>C (p.Val113Leu). Two further patients with late onset ATTR carried TTR variants of unknown significance. The majority of patients initially presented with heart failure symptoms that were subsequently accompanied by progressive polyneuropathy in most cases. A total of 55% had a history of carpal tunnel syndrome before the onset of other organ manifestations. Conclusions: Our study underlined the relevance of hATTR in the pathogenesis of amyloid-driven cardiomyopathy and axonal polyneuropathy and indicated considerable genetic heterogeneity of this disease in the Austrian population. The estimated prevalence of hATTR in Austria based on this study is 1:200,000 but a potentially higher number of unknown cases must be taken into account. With respect to new therapeutic approaches, we strongly propose genetic testing of the TTR gene in an extended cohort of patients with unexplained heart failure and progressive polyneuropathy.

Purpose: To report a rare occurrence of ocular dirofilariasis in Bosnia and Herzegovina and provide a short overview on clinical characteristics and treatment options for ocular dirofilariasis. Methods: A 75-year-old woman was admitted to the University Clinical Centre Tuzla with pain and redness in her left eye. A live, white, coiled, and active worm was noticed in subconjunctival space of bulbar conjunctiva. Results: After successful surgical extraction, the parasite was identified as the adult form of Dirofilaria repens. There were no signs of intraocular or systemic inflammation. Conclusion: Ophthalmologists should have in mind a possible infestation, especially in cases with repeated inflammatory reactions and swelling of the ocular region, which does not respond to conventional therapy.

Methods based exclusively on heart rate hardly allow to differentiate between physical activity, stress, relaxation, and rest, that is why an additional sensor like activity/movement sensor added for detection and classification. The response of the heart to physical activity, stress, relaxation, and no activity can be very similar. In this study, we can observe the influence of induced stress and analyze which metrics could be considered for its detection. The changes in the Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences provide us with information about physiological changes. A set of measurements collecting the RR intervals was taken. The intervals are used as a parameter to distinguish four different stages. Parameters like skin conductivity or skin temperature were not used because the main aim is to maintain a minimum number of sensors and devices and thereby to increase the wearability in the future.

The ballistocardiography is a technique that measures the heart rate from the mechanical vibrations of the body due to the heart movement. In this work a novel noninvasive device placed under the mattress of a bed estimates the heart rate using the ballistocardiography. Different algorithms for heart rate estimation have been developed.

This document presents a new complete standalone system for a recognition of sleep apnea using signals from the pressure sensors placed under the mattress. The developed hardware part of the system is tuned to filter and to amplify the signal. Its software part performs more accurate signal filtering and identification of apnea events. The overall achieved accuracy of the recognition of apnea occurrence is 91%, with the average measured recognition delay of about 15 seconds, which confirms the suitability of the proposed method for future employment. The main aim of the presented approach is the support of the healthcare system with the cost-efficient tool for recognition of sleep apnea in the home environment.

Hercegovački pršut as a traditional dry-cured smoked ham (prosciutto) produced by using an open fire that can be potentially contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and can pose a health risk for consumers. The aim of this research was to identify the types and concentrations of 16 PAHs in 34 samples of traditionally smoked prosciutto. Out of 16 investigated PAHs, identified in the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) list of priority pollutants, 14 compounds were detected. Average levels of cancerogenic benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and PAH4 (benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), chrysene (Chry), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)) ranged from <LOQ (level of quantification) to 5.08 μg/kg and 0.45 μg/kg to 22.67 μg/kg. Two analyzed samples exceeded currently prescribed values according to the Bosnia and Herzegovina legislation for BaP concentrations and one sample for PAH4 content. PAH16 concentrations were on average between 2.92 μg/kg and 87.6 μg/kg. The highest PAH concentrations were found in samples from the Herzegovina-Neretva canton. The results of the research highlight the importance of standardizing smoking procedures and manufacturing practice, in the production of Hercegovački pršut, in order to reduce the PAH content.

Abstract In this article, we describe the Cayley graphs of pseudo-unitary homogeneous semigroups with zero 0, which are 0-disjoint unions of their subsets indexed by a groupoid.

Abstract In this investigation, we have synthesized YbxY1-xF3 solid solutions by fluorination of yttrium and ytterbium sesquioxides with ammonium hydrogen difluoride. According to the XRD analysis, all synthesized YbxY1-xF3 samples have an orthorhombic crystal structure belonging to the β-YF3 structural type. The refinement of crystal structure was done by the Rietveld method within the Pnma space group using the TCH pseudo-Voigt function. The anisotropic peak broadening was analyzed, and the average apparent crystallite size is about 50 nm with a small anisotropy of shape, while the significant microstrain that is highly anisotropic is present in all samples. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility was analyzed by applying the model of a free ion perturbed by the crystal field. We have obtained the effective magnetic quantum numbers Mieff of four Kramer's doublets of Yb3+ ion along with the entire crystal field splitting of the 2F7/2 manifold of Yb3+ in YF3. The acquired maximum energy splitting of the ground level is about 150 K in our most diluted samples. The field-dependent isothermal magnetization measurements were carried out at various temperatures and analyzed by classical Langevin function. Results obtained from magnetic measurements show that all YbxY1-xF3 (x ≠ 0) solid solutions exhibit pure paramagnetic behavior in the whole temperature range from 2 to 300 K, with a predominant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions.

Increasing changes in the market have caused companies to turn largely to lowering all unnecessary costs in order to be competitive. Competitiveness is a concept that is being explored progressively. This paper offered a way to measure enterprise competitiveness. Competitiveness testing was conducted on companies in the field of food industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). A systematic sample was used. The collected data were analysed by factor analysis. Out of a total of 8 dimensions used, the factor analysis performed a reduction of these dimensions and led to the final 6 dimensions that determine the competitiveness of companies in the field of food industry in B&H. The obtained results showed that these dimensions stand out from others and represent the competitiveness of the company. These dimensions are: cost competition, price competition, product and business process innovation, customer satisfaction, delivery reliability and organisational learning. This research will help managers of companies in the food industry in B&H to improve market competitiveness. The methodology used in this paper will help other companies to improve competitiveness and achieve better results in the market.